THE City Council is making good on its promise to improve water delivery after it passed on Monday the establishment of a parallel water system in the first district of Cagayan de Oro, breaking the monopoly of water source in the city.
During the weekly session last Monday, the councilors approved the proposal of Metro Cagayan de Oro Water Service Cooperative Federation (MCWS) to develop sources, process and deliver potable water to majority of the residents of barangays Bulua, Iponan, and part of Patag.
Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr., chairperson of the committee on public utilities said the MCWS, which is a federation of the cooperatives in the city, will soon be another source of water in the city.
“We're giving more choices for Kagay-anons, more options, on where they will source their water, we are saying goodbye to monopoly of water sources, and saying hello to improved water delivery particularly in Bulua, Iponan, and part of Patag where water has been intermittent over the years,” Lao said.
Councilor Reuben Daba, chairperson of the committee on social services said MCWS is a cooperative in nature, and that putting it under the control of any corporations is now impossible.
“The MCWS is now owned by the people, so there will be no more fear of possible increased water rates because this water source is intended for public service,” Daba said.
In six months’ time, MCWS will start to operate and provide water supply in some areas.
In a letter to the vice mayor, Engr. Neil Bryan Oraiz, president of the federation, said the proposal will not require any investment from the city as MCWS shall provide the necessary capital and technical expertise to deliver the proposed service.
It shall initially invest P120 million to install the processing plant at Iponan River, and the necessary pipes to enable a level three system where residents, businesses and offices will be able to tap. Initially, it plans to bill its customers at P20 per cubic meter.
According to Oraiz, MCWS will also obtain the necessary permits from the National Water Resources Board, and the environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
He said MCWS will develop, process and deliver potable water to the three barangays within ten months after the issuance of the Resolution of No Objection and all the necessary permits with the offices of the MCWS as payment counters.